3-D Printing, Automation and More to be Demonstrated

August 1, 2016

Methods Machine Tools, Inc. will demonstrate a range of developments in manufacturing technology at IMTS 2016. From additive manufacturing (3-D printing), to automation cells, robots and advanced CNC machining centers, Methods will have over 40 solutions under power at the show.

Methods3D, a newly formed subsidiary of Methods Machine Tools, will be exhibiting six 3D Systems production machines representing four technologies (SLA, SLS, MJP, DMP), including the new ProX DMP 320 3-D Metal Printer. Experts will also be on hand to discuss sample parts, user applications and the integration of 3-D and conventional machining technologies.

Automation solutions will also be emphasized in the Methods booth, where new multitasking, CNC machining, deburring and inspection cells, integrated with robots, will be demonstrated adjacent to a "Robot Learning Area." Methods continues to expand its machine tool automation capabilities by providing comprehensive high productivity solutions. Methods provides and integrates all aspects of the automation solution and will have a large display of FANUC robots at the show.

A full range of CNC machining centers, multitasking/turning centers, EDM machines and digital optical comparators are part of the array of machining solutions that will be demonstrated.

CNC machines and EDMs machines making a North American debut at IMTS include:

Nakamura-Tome NTRX-300 heavy-duty multitasking turning center with full twin spindles, built-in automation and advanced software. Methods has also developed the NTRX-300L, with 20" longer Z-axis for larger part applications. A new Nakamura "Smart X" Operating System will also be demonstrated. The new icon-driven software helps enable intuitive touch control.

KIWA-Japan Triple H40 compact HMC with a column traverse structure, flexible mounting capability and machining access for long workpieces. "The Z-axis moves back and forth on the column, providing higher spindle rigidity than quill type spindles," said a company spokesperson.

FANUC D21 MiA, D21 MiB and D21 LiB Series RoboDrills. The latest generation RoboDrills feature new servomotor-driven ATCs that are designed to reduce tool to tool speed by almost half, an increased Z-axis stroke, optional servo door on the front and side and more.

FEELER U-800 5-axis machining center is a 5-axis gantry style machine designed with a rigid structure to handle heavy loads and is equipped with a HSK-63 12,000 RPM DDS spindle. The trunnion is solidly built by LCM with a 31.5" dia. by 24" work envelope and a weight capacity of 2,600 lbs.

FEELER SV-350 VMC is built as an overlapped 3-axis traveling column 3+2 vertical machining center with a dedicated trunnion and 250 mm rotary table. This 30-taper machine is designed with floor space in mind with all service items placed to the rear. The trunnion has a 10" dia. x 6" work envelope and a 10,000 RPM direct drive spindle.

VisionGauge 700 Series extended travel digital optical comparators feature a large work envelope and tilt and rotary axes in a trunnion configuration, suitable for inspecting parts up to 100 lbs.

Site

Manufacturing News

Manufacturing News is a monthly metalworking manufacturing publication that informs over 100,000 monthly readers of manufacturing solutions and new technology and the application of that technology in precision machining, production machining, fabricating of metals and composite materials. We welcome news releases that fit our editorial profile. The manufacturing we write about is the machining or fabricating that results in the creation of components, i.e., the manufacturing of discrete parts.